This is the Tamiya 1/48 scale kit of the F4U-1 "Birdcage" Corsair. The construction of this kit has been well covered elsewhere in HyperScale (see links at the bottom of the page), but I have listed my deviations from the kit instructions below:

            * True Details wheels (minus the 'love handles'). Tamiya wheels too tall and wide.
            * Squadron Canopy (rear half). Sits better.

            * Remove headrest and add extra head armor.
            * Eliminate inboard trim tabs. Not on the earliest F4Us.
            * Install trim tab control rods for elevator and rudder.
            * Fill in fuselage panel lines and some wing panel lines.
            * Fill in step hole in flap.

            * Modify flaps for proper alignment and greater drop.
            * Reposition flap filler between flaps...up.
            * Sand off tail wheel faining on gear doors.
            * Remove tail hook.
            * Recess engine so the prop doesn't hang out too far.
            * Shorten tail strut and main gear. If the real F4Us where this tall, the pilots couldn't get on the wing!